Statistics...

The Nature of a SociopathThe lack of conscience and an inability to feel remorse are the underlying factors. They do not have the ability to make and keep friends. The sociopathic personality is initially viewed as charming until the casual deception shines through their skillful masterful manipulation. They have the skillful aptitude for lying and cheating. They have no capacity to feel guilt.Sociopath Statistics

The sociopath makes up approximately 3 to 5 percent of the general population. According to the American Psychiatric Association, about three out of 100 males and one in 100 are sociopaths. Approximately 70 percent of sociopaths who come from fatherless homes and 30 percent are born out of wedlock. As many as 15 to 25 percent of prison inmates who show signs of being sociopaths.

Understanding the Reasons Behind a Sociopath's MindSociopathic behavior has a wide spectrum of causes and explanations. The chief among them would be neurological abnormalities in the frontal lobe of the brain. It is a section of the brain that is the center for judgment and self-control. Genetic factors can be at the root of a sociopathic personality. Sociologist, Dr. Lee Robins, determined that the odds were increased for children to inherit the sociopathic traits if one of the parents had the condition. There also are environmental facts that can play a role. Studies have proven that the circumstances centered in the home, school or community settings also can contribute to the sociopathic behavior. It also has been shown that if a normal amount of affection was not expressed by the parents, it could generate dysfunction for the child that would manifest itself in sociopathic tendencies.

Brain Function of a Sociopathic MindIn 2007, London's Institute of Psychology studied the brains of six sociopaths and compared them to the brains of nine normal people. There were distinctive discrepancies when they were shown faces of people who were showing signs of fear. The brain activity of the sociopaths was lower while the normal people showed a considerable increase in brain function. In addition, the sociopaths demonstrated much less response to the pictures of happy faces than the normal people.

No certain percentage could be determined to any certainty, because not all are identified. Neither psychopath nor sociopath is included in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Text Revision (2000, p. 291), but are generally included in the criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder:

A. There is a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since the age of fifteen, as indicated by at least three of the following: (1) Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest (2) Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure (3) Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead (4) Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults (5) Reckless disregard for safety of self or others. (6) Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations (7) Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another 2. The individual is at least age 18 years C. There is evidence of a Conduct Disorder, with onset before age 15 years. D. The occurrence of antisocial behavior is not exclusively during the course of Schizophrenia or a Manic Episode.” Hare (1993) indicated that the term sociopath infers the possession of psychopathic personality traits, but those traits are derived only from social influences, as opposed to physical or biochemical origins. Hare is an authority on psychopathic personality, and his work indicates that not all psychopaths are considered criminals.